Resistance device for an exerciser

ABSTRACT

A resistance device for an exerciser of the present invention is provided to be exclusively applied to exercisers, such as a bicycle exerciser, a pedal-type exerciser or a running exerciser for a resisting function; the resistance device adopts an oil resistance-type device of a completely different mechanical design for an innovative structural operation to overcome the shortcomings of an conventional oil resistance-type device of high cost and with complicate peripheral elements; the advantages of the present invention are that the function derived therefrom is basic with non-step resistance and the volume thereof is light and small for endurable use and easy operation; therefore, the design of the present invention enhances the quality and the function of the abovementioned exercisers to be applied by the present invention exclusively through the provision of a resistance device with a preferred cost, volume, function, endurable and useful life.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1) Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a resistance device for anexerciser, more especially, to an resistance device with innovativestructural function and idea designed exclusively for an exerciseraccording to the principle of oil resistance for overcoming theshortcomings of the conventional device of magnetic resistance throughthe provision of a resistance device with preferred and simplifiedoperation, small and lightweight volume and strong function so as toenhance the targeted exercisers to achieve the ultimate objective of thepresent invention for being perfect and ideal.

[0003] 2) Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Exercisers with the advantages of not being limited by locationand space have become the most efficient apparatus for the busy modempeople to do activities for leisure time, body building and loosingweight; wherein, the bicycle exerciser, as shown in FIG. 1, is mostrepresentative in becoming most popular and indispensable in family life

[0005] Accordingly, the conventional exerciser, such as a bicycleexerciser, a pedal-type exerciser or a running exerciser, is necessarilyequipped with an element mechanism of a resistance device for forming aresisting function driven by an applied external force; for example, thebicycle exerciser shown in FIG. 1, has a resistance device (A1) composedby a magnetically controlled metal wheel (A11) and a magnetic resistancepiece (A12); wherein, the magnetically controlled metal wheel (A11) isdriven by the pedaling force of a driving pedal wheel (A13) via a beltor a chain (A14); the magnetic resistance piece (A12) of a clutchstructure disposed adjacently controls the rotation of the magneticallycontrolled metal wheel (A11) by magnetic resistance thereof to form aresisting action for forcing the user to exert strength againstresistance so as to achieve the exercising function of building astronger body.

[0006] All conventional resistance devices of various structures are notexceptionally equipped with magnetic resistance devices; the minorchanges exist only in the operating function and applicative structurebetween the magnetically controlled metal wheel (A11) and the magneticresistance piece (A12) but without any breakthrough in function orsuperiority; the shortcomings of the conventional resistance devicemanufactured for years according to this kind of structure are summed upas follows:

[0007] 1. The magnetic force used in the conventional device forresistance causes magnetic attenuation after a long-term usage thatfurther results in unstable and unsmooth resistance value failed to meetthe requirements of the international quality standards.

[0008] 2. The problems caused by the expensive cost of the conventionalmagnetic resistance piece and the huge volume required for themagnetically controlled metal wheel of the magnetic resistance deviceare serious in terms of cost and practical effect; that affects not onlythe sale cost of the manufacturer, but also the consumer's purchase costand the required storage space for the purchased device.

[0009] 3. The rotating function of the magnetically controlled metalwheel, especially, inside the magnetic resistance mechanism of theconventional device definitely causes two major problems of vibrationand noise in operation due to high speed rotation; the most dangerousobject is the magnetically controlled metal wheel rotating in high speedand that usually attracts children's touch and is hard to be preventedand eliminated.

[0010] 4. The peripheral elements required for the magnetic resistancemechanism of the conventional device are numerous and complicated; partmaintenance and replacement trouble and burden the consumer; the damagedconventional exerciser might become an expensive decorating objectoccupying a considerable space in the house and that result is not theoriginal objective of exercising and body building.

[0011] In view of the abovementioned shortcomings of the conventionalexercisers, the present invention provides a resistance device for anexerciser capable of not only overcoming all the shortcomings of theprior art, but also enhancing the structure, function and utilization ofrelated objects; furthermore, the new structural concept, the practicaland multiple advantages of the present invention definitely enable boththe manufacturer and the consumer to win efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Therefore, the objectives of the present invention include:

[0013] 1. The first advantage of the design of the present invention isto have a unitary machine; in brief, all the active functions arecompleted inside the resistance device of the present invention withoutrequiring additionally auxiliary peripheral elements; therefore, toapply the present invention to the resistance portion of an exercisertremendously minimizes the volume thereof and obtains the effect ofsaving the most cost due to the simplified structure.

[0014] 2. The second advantage of the design of the present invention,according to the first advantage of a unitary machine having all theactive functions completed inside the resistance device is that theexternal view thereof is completely static; that means, there is no anypossible danger to be caused by any exposed external rotation; iteliminates the magnetically controlled metal wheel of the prior at andthe resulted danger due to its high speed rotation using vibration,causing noise and attracting children's touch.

[0015] 3. The third advantage of the design of the present invention isthat the mechanical design thereof has extremely high endurance andlasting useful life; the situation of magnetic attenuation doesn't existtherein; contrarily, its consistent, stable and smooth resistance is thebest function of the present invention.

[0016] 4. The fourth advantage of the design of the present invention isto have basic function of not-step resistance control; therefore, therequired resistance can be alternated through high mobility even whenthe resistance device is in operation.

[0017] 5. The fifth advantage of the design of the present invention isto have a precise movement derived from mechanization to make thegenerated resistance value achieve the standardized regulation formeeting the requirement of the international quality standards andcomprise high competitive ability for competing on the internationalmarkets.

[0018] 6. The sixth advantage of the design of the present invention isto utilize the advantage of being a unitary machine to completelyeliminate the limit of attachment installation to facilitate theapplication unto multiple exercisers and have more extensive applicationor practical value than the conventional magnetic resistance device.

[0019] The present invention of a resistance device for an exercisercomprises external cases of left and right machines, a drivingresistance disk, a positioning ring, a adjustable resistance disk, anoblique Y-shaped clamp, a tension spring, a main shaft and a drawingsteel rope; wherein, the driving resistance disk and the adjustableresistance disk are disposed inside the clamp locked external cases ofthe machines and penetrated by the main shaft; the diving resistancedisk accepts an external force and has the function of making spinningrotation; the basic function of the adjustable resistance disk iscontrolled to be incapable of making spinning rotation other than makingforward and backward micro displacement.

[0020] The interior of the external case of the machine is filled withmachine oil of high viscosity grade number; a stable and smoothresistant property and principle are thus generated through thismechanical design and machine oil of high viscosity grade number as wellas through the factors of the viscosity of the machine oil, the surfacearea reached by the machine oil, the gaps among all resistance piecesand the spinning only movement of the driving resistance disk.

[0021] However, the principle and the mechanical concept of the surfacearea and the gap viscosity make the disk surface of the drivingresistance disk and the adjustable resistance disk disposed with aplurality of meshed and inserted concentric circular pieces capable ofobtaining high efficient, stable and smooth resistance; this principleand the cooperative operation of the oblique Y-shaped clamp, the tensionspring and the drawing steel rope enables the adjustable resistance diskto have the function of displacing forwardly and backwardly on the mainshaft; in brief, efficient change of resistance value can be obtainedamong all resistance pieces disposed on two resistance disks due to thechange of the gaps; the bigger the gaps are , the smaller the resistancevalue is; that relationship is of an inverse ratio; contrarily, thisresistance value can be a variable function and that is the adjustableeffect of the non-step resistance value of the present invention;especially, this function will not be limited even when the drivingresistance disk is in operation.

[0022] Additionally, without changing the essence and the principle, theadjustable resistance disk wherein can be a member of two semi-spherescovered externally onto the outer rim side of the driving resistancedisk to also make the driving resistance disk spin or rotate by anapplied external force; of course, a plurality of resistance piecesdisposed on the outer rim of the driving resistance disk and a pluralityof resistance pieces disposed on the inner rim of the adjustableresistance disk are also in a meshed and inserted state; the adjustableresistance disk has the function of making expanding displacement toachieve the effect of forming equivalent resistance and adjustingresistance value.

[0023] According to the abovementioned brief introduction of the relatedprinciple and mechanism, the resistance device of the present inventioncan be applied to any resistance equipment required by variousexercisers and will not be limited by installation or driving so as toobtain the effect of being more stable, smoother, having minimizedvolume and saving the most cost.

[0024] To enable a further understanding of the spirit, features and thestructure of the present invention, the brief description of thedrawings below is followed by the detailed description of the preferredembodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a plane structure and movement ofa conventional exerciser.

[0026]FIG. 2 is an external view and schematic drawing of a preferredexemplary embodiment of the present invention applied to a bicyclingexercise.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a pictorial, external view and schematic drawing of apreferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic drawing of the structure of allelements of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 5 is the first cross-sectional and schematic drawing of thestructure and movement of all elements of the present invention in anenclosed state.

[0030]FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic drawing of FIG. 5.

[0031]FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing of the plane of the internalstructure of a driving resistance disk of present invention.

[0032]FIG. 8 is schematic drawing of the plane of the internal structureof an adjustable resistance disk of present invention.

[0033]FIG. 9 is the second cross-sectional and schematic drawing of thestructure and movement of all elements of the present invention in anexpanded state.

[0034]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional and schematic drawing of the entirestructure of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the external design of a resistancedevice of the present invention has a unitary machine, in brief, all theactive functions are completed inside the resistance device of thepresent invention without requiring additionally auxiliary peripheralelements; therefore, to apply the present invention to the resistanceportion of an exerciser (100) tremendously minimizes the volume thereofand obtains the effect of saving the most cost due to simplifiedstructure.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the present invention of a resistancedevice (10) for an exerciser mainly comprises external cases of left andright machines (1, 2), a driving resistance disk (3), a positioning ring(4), a adjustable resistance disk (5), an oblique Y-shaped clamp (6), atension spring (7), a main shaft (8) and a drawing steel rope (9);wherein, the external cases of left and right machines (1, 2) are lockedin clamping type and filled with machine oil (B) of high viscosity toallow the driving resistance disk (3), the positioning ring (4), theadjustable resistance disk (5), the oblique Y-shaped clamp (6) and thetension spring (7) to exist and operate therein.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 5, wherein a unitary belt wheel (30) is formedat the front end of the driving resistance disk (3); the said belt wheel(30) is penetrated by the main shaft (8); the shaft bearings (11, 32)disposed on the internal and external portions of the wheel (30) as wellas the oil seals (12, 33) disposed on the internal and external portionsenable the entire driving resistance disk (3) to drive the belt wheel(30) by an exerted external force and further drive the entire drivingresistance disk (3) to form a function of spinning rotation; the basicfunction of the adjustable resistance disk (5) is completely controlledby the positioning ring (4), the oblique Y-shaped clamp (6) and thetension spring (7) and not capable of making spinning rotation otherthan making forward and backward micro displacement; the front aspect ofthe said disk (5) is positioned by the positioning ring (4) and the rearaspect thereof is pushed by the tension spring (7); the main shaft (8)penetrates through a center hole (50) of the adjustable resistance disk(5); the shaft bearing (21) and the oil seal (22) disposed inside theexternal case of the machine (2) position and seal the adjustableresistance disk (5); according to this structure, the said adjustableresistance disk (5) and the driving resistance disk (3) form acorresponding state; under the interchanging action of the obliqueY-shaped clamp (6) and the tension spring (7), only the main shaft (8)of the adjustable resistance disk (5) has the function of making forwardand backward micro displacement.

[0038] The front planes of the driving resistance disk (3) and theadjustable resistance disk (5) are disposed with a plurality of meshedand inserted concentric circular pieces (31, 51); more particularly, aproper gap (C) is reserved between the resistance piece (31) and theresistance piece (51), as shown in FIG. 6; the function of the gap (C)is to allow the machine oil (B) to exist therein; the viscosity of themachine oil (B) generates viscous resistance; the degree of thisresistance is decided by the gap variation generated by the displacementof the adjustable resistance disk (5); the bigger the gap is, thesmaller the resistance value is and the smaller the gap is, the biggerthe resistance value is; the relationship between them is of an inverseratio; furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the inner rims of theresistance pieces (31, 51) of the said two disks (3, 5) are disposedwith circular oil lead holes (311, 511) and not corresponding ( three totwo, five to three, etc.) oil lead slot ways (312, 512); referring toFIG. 4, the not corresponding oil lead slot ways (312, 512) disposed onthe resistance pieces (31, 51) on the plane of the driving andadjustable resistance disks (3, 5) are inclined and convergent; thebacksides of the two disks (3, 5) are disposed with diagonal slot ways(313, 513) for rapidly leading the machine oil (B) into all theresistance pieces (31, 51) of the disks (3, 5).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4 again, the positioning ring (4) is locked andpositioned on the main shaft (8) disposed at the front aspect of theadjustable resistance disk (5); the position at the rear aspect of theadjustable resistance disk (5) is supported by the tension spring (7) toform a function of forceful expansion; the hollow section at the bottomportion of the oblique Y-shaped clamp (6) straddles on the main shaft(8) with two end foot portions (62) respectively fastened on thebackside of the adjustable resistance disk (5); the central position(63) on the oblique Y-shaped clamp (6) is fastened with the top end ofthe drawing steel rope (9) penetrated into the external case of themachine (2); the top end point (64) of the said oblique Y-shaped clamp(6) is fixed onto the inner rim wall of the external case of the machine(2); as indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6, since the oblique Y-shaped clamp (6)is inclined and slightly resilient, when the drawing steel rope (9)draws at the central position (63), the deformation rate of the saidoblique Y-shaped clamp (6) generated through the drawing force becomesthe force base for the adjustable resistance disk (5) to displacebackwardly; contrarily, when the drawing force of the drawing steel rope(9) is released, the expanding force of the backward tension spring (7)makes the adjustable resistance disk (5) move forward again to bestopped and positioned by the positioning ring (4) to thereby form afunction of reciprocating movement; when the resistance value changes,this reciprocating movement becomes the adjustable function of thenon-step resistance value of the present invention; more particularly,this function won't be limited even when the driving resistance disk (3)is in operation.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 10, without changing the essence and theprinciple of the present invention, the adjustable resistance disk (5)therein can be a member of two semi-spheres covered externally onto theouter rim side of the driving resistance disk (3) to also make thedriving resistance disk (3) spin by an applied external force; ofcourse, the plurality of resistance pieces (31) disposed on the outerrim of the driving resistance disk (3) and the plurality of resistancepieces (51) disposed on the inner rim of the adjustable resistance disk(5) are in a meshed and inserted state; when the adjustable resistancedisk (5) reached the function of making expanding displacement, theequivalent effect of forming resistance and adjusting resistance valuecan be achieved.

[0041] In summation of the abovementioned, the present invention is anachievable advanced structural design with special breakthrough capableof achieving multiple functions and possessing structural advantages. Itis of course to be understood that the embodiment described herein ismerely illustrative of the principles of the invention and that a widevariety of modifications thereto may be effected by persons skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the following claims.

1. A resistance device for an exerciser with an external design thereofin a unitary machine; application of the present invention to anexerciser minimizes the volume thereof and obtains the effect of savingthe most cost; the structure of the present invention mainly comprisesexternal cases of left and right machines, a driving resistance disk, apositioning ring, a adjustable resistance disk, an oblique Y-shapedclamp, a tension spring, a main shaft and a drawing steel rope; wherein:the external cases of left and right machines are locked in clampingtype and filled with machine oil of high viscosity and a main shaftpositioned and sealed through the cooperation of a shaft bearing and aoil seal to allow the driving resistance disk, the positioning ring, theadjustable resistance disk, the oblique Y-shaped clamp and the tensionspring to exist and operate therein; the driving resistance disk has aunitary belt wheel penetrated by the main shaft; the internal andexternal portions of the wheel are disposed with the shaft bearings andthe oil seals; it is capable of making spinning rotation and forming acorresponding structure with the adjustable resistance disk; the frontplane of the disk is disposed with a plurality of concentric circularpieces staggered and inserted with resistance pieces of the adjustableresistance disk; a proper gap is reserved between the resistance pieces;the innerest rims of the resistance pieces are disposed with circularoil lead holes and the resistance pieces are disposed with inclined andconvergent slot ways; the backside of the disk is disposed with diagonalslot ways for rapidly leading the machine oil into all the resistancepieces; the adjustable resistance disk is penetrated by the main shaftand controlled by the positioning ring, the oblique Y-shaped clamp andthe tension spring; it is not capable of making spinning rotation; thefront aspect of the disk is stopped and positioned by the positioningring; the rear aspect thereof is forced by the tension spring to form acorresponding structure with the driving resistance disk; the frontplane of the disk is disposed with a plurality of concentric circularpieces staggered and inserted with resistance pieces of the drivingresistance disk; a proper gap is reserved between the resistance pieces;the innerest rims of the resistance pieces are disposed with circularoil lead holes and the resistance pieces are disposed with inclined andconvergent slot ways; the backside of the disk is disposed with diagonalslot ways for rapidly leading the machine oil into all the resistancepieces; the oblique Y-shaped clamp is inclined and slightly resilient;the hollow section at the bottom portion thereof straddles on the mainshaft with two end foot portions respectively fastened on the backsideof the adjustable resistance disk; the central position on the obliqueY-shaped clamp is fastened with the drawing steel rope penetrated intothe external case of the machine; the top end point of the said obliqueY-shaped clamp is fixed onto the inner rim wall of the external case ofthe machine to draw the adjustable resistance disk via the drawing steelrope to form a micro adjusting function of displacing forwardly andbackwardly.
 2. A resistance device for an exerciser according to claim1, wherein the oil lead slot ways disposed on the driving resistancedisk and the adjustable resistance disk are not of a correspondingstructure.
 3. A resistance device for an exerciser according to claim 1,wherein the adjustable resistance disk can be a member of twosemi-spheres covered externally onto the outer rim side of the drivingresistance disk; the inner and outer rims of the resistance pieces oftwo disks are correspondingly staggered and inserted to enable thedriving resistance disk to make spinning rotation under the appliedexternal force and the adjustable resistance disk to have function ofexpanding displacement so as to achieve the equivalent effect of formingresistance and adjusting resistance value.